In a report for MLB.com, Mark Bowman says it’s possible the White Sox might be interested in giving their starting catcher job to 27-year-old Tyler Flowers, which could lead to A.J. Pierzynski’s departure.

Bowman says the Mets, Pirates, Indians and possibly the Cubs could all be teams interested in acquiring Pierzynski this winter if he does leave the White Sox.

Pierzynski, who will be 36 on Opening Day, hit .278 with 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 135 games for the White Sox in 2012. He just completed a two-year, $8 million contract he signed before the 2011 season.

Michael Baron, Contributor

Pierzynski had a fantastic year with the White Sox – he set a career-high with 27 home runs and matched a career-high with 77 RBI. He has been a durable and solid defensive catcher in his career and also earned a strong reputation working with the White Sox’s pitching staff this past season. That along with his proven leadership abilities could be very valuable to a team like the Mets, especially in their current state of evolution as they try to develop a young and talent pitching corps. It would be hard to expect a similar offensive output from Pierzynski next year, especially if he leaves US Cellular Field which is a haven for hitters. And, given he loves playing in Chicago, and there is reportedly mutual interest between him and the White Sox on a new deal, I find it hard to envision him signing with another team even though Bowman says they could be interested in passing the baton to Flowers.